Titled ‘International Iconic,’ AstaGuru’s upcoming auction will showcase a medley of works by revered and iconic global artists. The collection puts a spotlight on the emergence and impact of international modern art in the 20th century with creations by masters such as J MW Turner, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, amongst others. Adorning the catalogue cover is a monumental sculpture by famous Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The auction will also present works by renowned Surrealist masters René Magritte and Salvador Dali.
Also on offer is a range of signature-style creations by globally renowned contemporary artists, including Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Peng Wei, and Laurence Jenkell.
The ‘International Iconic’ Auction will be held on July 19-20, 2024.
Speaking about the auction, Larissa Guimaraes, International Art Specialist, AstaGuru Auction House, says, “With another edition of the International Iconic auction, AstaGuru reinforces its place leading the integration of the global art market with its client base in India. With a focus on paper and editions, the auction features such a diverse array of lots that it successfully caters to new and seasoned collectors alike. Price points are in variety, going from Botero’s latest paper creations to quintessential Chagall watercolours; sizes range from Dalí’s meticulous drawings to Modigliani’s monumental efforts, and artists and movements span Turner’s pre-modern skill to Koons’ and Hirst’s contemporary creativity.”
Amedeo Modigliani:
Leading the auction is ‘Tetê De Cariátide (Head of Caryatid) (AP IV/IV + Edition of 8)’ by revered Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Conceived in 1906 and cast later, the large-scale sculpture in bronze is an enlarged casting of a wooden sculpture, the only known sculpture that Modigliani carved in wood rather than stone. With only 8 such works in existence, the work pays homage to his interest in both Italian and African culture. This bronze resembles a tribal mask or ancient deity, with its exaggerated features and totemic appearance achieved through its texture, meditative presence, and sheer size.
Yayoi Kusama:
Also featuring in the auction is ‘Hi Konnichiwa (Hello Goro!)’ by famed Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama is a painted styrofoam & urethane resin sculpture executed in 2005. The sculpture displays Kusama’s penchant for utilising large dots in her works. The catalyst for Kusama’s signature dot motif came from an episode she describes as “depersonalization.” While sketching in a field of flowers, she hallucinated the flowers speaking to her and transforming into a sea of dots. This experience profoundly influenced her artistic vision, leading her to incorporate dots into many of her works as a coping mechanism for her hallucinations
JMW RA Turner:
JMW RA Turner’s ‘Fishermen With Their Nets Off A Sandy Bank’ is a watercolour & ink on paper work, executed circa 1800. It showcases Turner’s commitment to elevating landscape painting to the stature of ideal art, akin to history painting. His experimental approach in both watercolours and oils saw him pioneering various techniques, pushing the boundaries of the medium.
Marc Chagall:
‘Résonances De Vitebsk Pour La Famille (Sounds Of Vitebsk For The Family)’ is a gouache, tempera, India ink, pastel & graphite on paper work by Marc Chagall executed in 1980. Chagall was heavily inspired by his hometown of Vitebsk in Belarus and many of his works reflect the sights of his quaint birthplace. The work also features many of his signature motifs like musicians, couples and flying fauna.
Salvador Dali:
The auction will also feature three works by surrealist Salvador Dalí showcasing the many diverse styles he was known for. His work titled ‘Le Bracelet Hermès (The Hermès Bracelet)’ is a ballpoint pen, pencil & felt pen on paper work executed in 1971. ‘Reina (Queen)’, is a gouache & collage on paper executed in 1971. ‘Le Corregidor Et La Meuniere (The Corregidor And The Miller)’, a watercolour, colour pencil, India ink & felt pen on cardboard work executed in 1959.
René Magritte:
A painted bronze sculpture by surrealist René Magritte will also be showcased. ‘Le Bouchon D’épouvante’ (The Terror Stopper) (ED: 119/250+20 AP)’ was conceived in 1966 and cast later, and belongs to the artist’s series of works with the bowler hat as a subject. The object was used to symbolise generic men belonging to the bourgeois, middle class who were anonymous and
would often go unnoticed.
Fernando Botero:
Fernando Botero’s ‘Flautista (Flutist)’, is a watercolour on paper work executed in 2023, before his passing in the same year. The signature style work is indicative of his series of paperwork’s that are deeply rooted in his personal experiences, often reflecting the pleasures of love, music, and leisure, infused with humour and sentiment.
Pablo Picasso:
‘Homme Assis (Seated Man)’, is a pencil on card work by iconic Cubist artist Pablo Picasso executed in 1971. The Cubist movement, pioneered by Picasso, analysed and depicted subjects from various angles simultaneously and utilised bold, geometric lines, as seen in the presented lot.
About AstaGuru
AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.
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